asked the Minister for Finance when work is likely to commence on the drainage of the River Suir, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Suir River Drainage.
46.
Mr. Kenny
Much design work remains to be done before the necessary preliminary engineering report and estimate for the projected scheme for the Suir catchment can be prepared. In addition, it is most likely that when the preliminary report and estimate become available it will be found to be desirable to conduct a full cost/benefit analysis of the proposal on the lines of the study now nearing completion in respect of the Maigue and Groody schemes.
In the circumstances, it would not be possible at this stage to indicate when works are likely to be commenced.
When will we have a result of this cost/benefit analysis? When I was in that Department I had hoped to have it about last March.
This question refers to a specific river, the Suir.
Why is the cost/ benefit analysis not done first rather than getting involved in all the other matters?
The Deputy is broadening the scope of this question.
Mr. Kenny
I will answer that question. This cost/benefit survey was initiated during the life time of the last Government.
By me.
Mr. Kenny
By the Deputy. This has held up drainage in various catchment areas because the Minister for Finance must be absolutely sure that when a catchment area is drained benefits will accrue to the farmers in that catchment area. That is the reason why this cost/benefit survey must be made.
We cannot debate the cost/benefit scheme today.
Why the delay?